On October 2, 2018, HHSC issued a Long-Term Care Regulatory letter to clarify previous letters regarding time frames for expedited Life Safety Code Inspections. The letter is located here. Here are pertinent quotes from the letter: A NF or ALF license applicant may submit a written request for an ELSC and fee at any time during the application process. When the licensing specialist has a complete application and fee, and a written request for ESLC inspection and fee a request is made to … [Read more...] about HHSC Clarifies Expedited Life Safety Code Inspection Time Frames
New Civil Money Penalties are the Subject of Proposed New CMS Rules
Last Friday, CMS, issued a notice regarding proposed new rules. Anticipated 1150B Delegation of Authority: We are looking to publish a proposed rule to fully enforce Section 1150B requirements for reporting crimes to nursing home residents, we are proposing a regulation that will allow Civil Money Penalties (CMPs) to be imposed of up to $200,000 against covered individuals (staff, volunteers, etc.) who fail to report reasonable suspicion of crimes. This proposed regulation would also … [Read more...] about New Civil Money Penalties are the Subject of Proposed New CMS Rules
Trump Administration Sued Over Short-Term Health Plans Offering Limited Benefits
A lawsuit accuses President Donald Trump's Treasury, Labor and HHS secretaries of weakening Americans' access to life-saving medical care by letting the rule regarding short-term plans bypass the ACA's essential health benefit and pre-existing condition requirements, according to reports. According to the Trump Administration: This final rule amends the definition of short-term, limited-duration insurance for purposes of its exclusion from the definition of individual health insurance … [Read more...] about Trump Administration Sued Over Short-Term Health Plans Offering Limited Benefits
Provider Letter Regarding Incident Reporting Requirements
Provider Letter PL 2018-20 (Replaces PL 13-04 and PL 18-07) This letter gives directives to the following provider types: Assisted Living Facilities (ALFs), Day Activity and HealthnServices (DAHS) Facilities, Home and Community Support Services Agencies (HCSSAs), Intermediate Care Facilities for Individuals with an Intellectual Disability (ICFs/IID), Prescribed Pediatric Extended Care Centers (PPECs) Nursing Facilities (NFs) A provider (as listed above) must include in an initial … [Read more...] about Provider Letter Regarding Incident Reporting Requirements
Medicare and Medicaid Programs – CMS, HSS Proposed Regulatory Provisions Fact Sheet
Today the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), in order to promote Medicaid and Medicare program efficiency, transparency, and burden reduction, proposed new rules that revise the applicable conditions of participation (CoPs) for providers and conditions for coverage (CfCs). The link of this rule will be republished in the Federal Register on Sept. 20. According to the fact sheet summary excerpt: This proposed rule would reform Medicare regulations that are identified as … [Read more...] about Medicare and Medicaid Programs – CMS, HSS Proposed Regulatory Provisions Fact Sheet
CMS Announces Option to Claim Hardship Exemption from the Individual Healthcare Mandate
In a press release revealed today, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced its efforts to provides American consumers with the ability to claim a hardship exemption from the tax penalty imposed by the ACA (Obamacare) for not maintaining health coverage for 2018 on their federal income tax returns, making it easier for taxpayers across the nation to claim their exemption. According to this excerpt from the press release: This new option to claim a hardship exemption … [Read more...] about CMS Announces Option to Claim Hardship Exemption from the Individual Healthcare Mandate
Multiple Bipartisan Healthcare Bills Head to Congress
The series of bipartisan healthcare bills are being considered expedited rules that require two-third votes for approval. One bill H.R. 3635, amends title XVIII (Medicare) of the Social Security Act to revise the process by which Medicare administrative contractors (MACs) issue and reconsider local coverage determinations (LCDs) that: (1) are new, (2) restrict or substantively revise existing LCDs, or (3) are otherwise specified in regulation. According to reports, it would provide … [Read more...] about Multiple Bipartisan Healthcare Bills Head to Congress
Proposed Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act could Legalize Cannabis for Military
As the growing population of military veterans seek access and rights to use medical cannabis to treat PTSD, chronic pain and other mental and physical war wounds, new legislation has now been filed by two Democratic senators (Senator Brian Schatz (D-HI) and Senator Bill Nelson (D-FL) that aims to basically legalize medical marijuana for them and let government physicians enable them to have access to it. According to reports, the Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act, would allow veterans … [Read more...] about Proposed Veterans Medical Marijuana Safe Harbor Act could Legalize Cannabis for Military
Provider Letter: Feeding Assistance Rules for Nursing Facilities
Provider Letter PL 18-17 (NF) This letter addresses feeding assistance care for nursing home residents and staffing requirements to implement rules. HHSC and Long Term Care Regulatory (LTCR) determined that the topic of feeding assistance required an updated and consolidated communication to providers. The letter details: Policy Details & Provider Responsibilities: A paid feeding assistant is an individual who meets the requirements specified in the Texas Administrative Code who is … [Read more...] about Provider Letter: Feeding Assistance Rules for Nursing Facilities
In The News: 5 Healthcare Legal Battles That Could Head To The Supreme Court
Changes to the healthcare market nationwide could manifest if these 5 lawsuits make it to the highest court in the nation. According to news reports, there are several significant pieces of healthcare legislation that could result from multiple major healthcare cases going through the federal courts. The consequential healthcare cases include: Texas vs Alex Azar - Re: ACA is unlawful and the Court should enjoin its operation. Therefore, Plaintiffs seek declaratory and injunctive relief … [Read more...] about In The News: 5 Healthcare Legal Battles That Could Head To The Supreme Court